Holi celebration unfolds in city amidst colours, dance

Kanpur: Holi celebrations replete with colours, dancing, and sweets including the traditional Gujiya were witnessed throughout the city on Friday.
The Holi festivities commenced early in the morning and continued throughout the day, though most of the revellers ceased their activities around 2 pm. The celebration began when Holika was burnt around 10.57 pm. Youths initiated the festivities by throwing gulal on each other and continued their dry Holi until midnight. They danced and performed before crowds to songs played on loudspeakers while enjoying the colours. On Friday morning, the wet Holi commenced from 7 am.
Several inebriated youths and veterans celebrated with red-coloured water and entertained onlookers through their boisterous activities. Some locations even witnessed brawls requiring police intervention. The district administration efficiently managed these situations.
Police conducted evening checks and penalised 1,060 vehicle owners and drivers who were either intoxicated or carrying multiple passengers on two-wheelers.
On Thursday, Holika was burnt at 670 locations across the city at the auspicious time. The citizens heeded the administration's appeal to avoid burning plastic and rubber tyres.
Celebrations intensified around 10 am when horiyars gathered at Arya Nagar crossing, Birhana Road, Latouche Road, Ghantaghar, Gumti, Govind Nagar, Kidwai Nagar and other prominent crossings. Arya Nagar hosted its traditional "Kapda Phar Holi".
According to Ashu Mehrotra, around 25,000 youths gathered from Arya Nagar crossing to Brijendra Swarup park crossing, celebrating amidst continuous sprays of coloured water and Kapada Phar.
The previous day, Arya Nagar residents witnessed Radha Krishna dance performances and "Phoolo ki Holi". Artistes had earlier presented Dandiya Raas and Lathmar Holi. At Birhana Road and adjacent localities, the locals gathered at various crossings, celebrating with traditional "Phaag" folk songs.
District officials celebrated the festival at their bungalows with subordinates, serving Gujiya and Thandai. Evening Holi melas were celebrated in several localities, with the main mela scheduled for March 20.